Team Xtreme StrongWoman Competiton

On Sunday (29th March) was my first StrongWoman Competition for this year. It was at a gym called Team Xtreme Fitness in Gosport near Portsmouth (UK). 

I had my last training session on the Tuesday and then was spending the rest of my week resting up. On Thursday I was peeling some sweet potatoes for dinner and accidentally sliced some on my nail off (on my ring finger), it bled quite a lot and was really painful and I was worried at the time I wouldn't be able to pick anything up (the day after I couldn't even use my handbrake). 

I had been training so hard for it, so I didn't want to back out (I was livid with myself at this point for doing something so stupid) Why is it you always hurt yourself outside of the gym? I had twinged my back slightly the other week from turning to strap my little cousin in the car - and was still recovering from that slightly!

Weekend away to Oxford

Last weekend I went away with my Mum, Nan and Aunt on our "Girly Weekend" to Oxford. We went shopping in Oxford on Saturday and it was ridiculously busy - wasn't enjoyable at all. We decided to leave and go to our hotel. I would've liked to have a complete run through of the competition events for this weekend but that's just how things turn out, so had to deal with a hotel gym...

To be fair I was pleasantly surprised that it had a bench - some hotel gyms I go to don't even have any barbells or heavy weights at all. So I managed a decent upper body work-out in and also did a bit of mobility work.

I'm unsure as to why you would need so many 1kg dumbbells (black dumbbells in the left)? Better than nothing I suppose....

Throwback Thursday

This time last year I took part in my first Strong Woman Competition held at my gym. My timehop is flashing up with pictures that were taken a year ago, and it is fun to be able to back through them all.

At the time I had dropped a lot of weight and wasn't particular that strong either. I have a video (shown below) of me practicing the Overhead Medley. 

This involved: 

-12.5kg Dumbbell Press (both arms)

-25kg Barbell Overhead Press

-32kg Log Press

Long Ass Week!

Last week was really long, I had such a busy week at work with some long hours which really took its toll on me. I was getting home - quickly eating dinner - and then rushing to the gym. My workouts are also quite heavy at the moment, and will be like this up to the run- up to my comp until I have some days of complete rest (I am actually looking forward to this and so is my body).

I got all my work out on Friday at a nice time so left at 4.30pm and the tiredness from the week just hit me and I had to go have a nap!

My Gym.. Body Bionic

I train at Body Bionic, which is a local family run gym in Thatcham. What I love about this gym is the friendly and supportive atmosphere there is, and how clean it is kept. I cannot recommend this gym enough!!

There is so much diverse equipment that will suit anyone and everyone's training regime. You have the Cardio Suite, Boxing Room with Ring, all your standard Weight Machines, Dumbells & Barbells, EZ Bar Curls, Olympic Bars, Squat Rack, Bench Press and a big range of Bumper Plates.

My favourite part of the gym is the Strongman/Strong(wo)man room (what we know it as) which has:

Yoke

Farmers Walk

75kg log

32kg log

Viking press

Atlas stones (30kg to 100kg)

Prowler

40kg Axle Bar

53 kg Circus/Monster Dumbell

Tyres (80/140/250kg)

18" Deadlift wheels

85kg Husafell stone

Barrels (10-45kg)

Events Training

Saturdays are now going to be Strongman/Strongwoman training down the gym in preparation for upcoming competitions....

It is now less than 4 weeks away until my competition...eek!

I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever trained as hard in the gym than what I have since entering (3 weeks ago). I'm a lot more focused, and determined to improve my overall strength. I have always gone to the gym and followed a plan, but having something to aim for definitely gives you a lot more motivation. Each session is built around improving my main lifts - squats/deadlifts/overhead press and also accessory work to target and develop my weak areas in preparation for my upcoming competition.